Does Toothpaste Really Work On Headlights

Not many of you may know, but Toothpaste is meant for cleaning many more things in addition to your ‘Teeth.’

Toothpaste is an excellent cleaner, and everyone brushing their teeth definitely knows about it. However, do you know there are some people who use Toothpaste for cleaning Headlights?

The one trick that many car owners often swear by is ‘Cleaning Headlights with Toothpaste.’ You’ll find all sorts of DIY car cleaning tips on the Internet, but the one with Toothpaste actually works. In fact, the idea of cleaning headlights with Toothpaste is circulating around the Internet because of the mind-blowing results it gives. Ready to find out whether it is real or fake?

Does Toothpaste Really Brighten Dull Headlight Covers? 

Your headlights are meant to give a clear and wide beam during low visibility days. However, if the car headlight is dirty, it can’t actually do the required job.

Dirty, fogged-up, or hazy headlights aren’t effective enough to fulfil the role at the time of safety requirements. Especially during the foggy season, it is important to clean your car headlights frequently for a safe and sound experience.

According to several internet claims, Toothpaste can make your car headlight shiny and squeaky clean. Here’s how.

How to clean car headlights with Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is an abrasive, and therefore for certain surfaces, it works as an excellent cleaner.

A Toothpaste solution cannot do much to restore the headlight’s former glory, but it will surely clean all the chemicals and dust.

Several tubes of toothpaste commonly carry hydrogen peroxide and other similar chemicals which can effectively clean plastic surfaces.

Detailed Guide to Clean Headlights With Toothpaste

Things you will need to clean the car headlight with Toothpaste:

  • A Toothpaste tube (any brand)
  • A soft Toothbrush (new or old)
  • A spray bottle
  • Chamois cloth and a Microfiber towel
  • Painter’s tape
  • Ultraviolet-protecting Sealant

The Procedure to Clean Headlights with Toothpaste

  1. As you begin with the process, the first thing to focus on is the Preliminary cleaning of the headlight.
  2. Spray some plain or soapy water on the headlight and wipe it using a microfiber towel.
  3. Next, before using Toothpaste or another solution, use Chamois cloth and dry the headlight nicely. Chamois cloth is always the best product you can use since it does not leave any scratches or marks behind. It is meant to leave those shiny, squeaky-clean results behind.
  4. Now take the Painter’s tape, or even a regular tap, and cover the edges of the headlights. This step is important since some toothpaste might damage your car’s paint as well. However, do not use any strong tape as it, when removed, can strip off your car’s paint.
  5. Further, take a small amount of Toothpaste and apply it all over the headlight. To do so, you can either use your fingers or a microfiber cloth. Make sure the Toothpaste is well spread all over the headlight. Keep wiping using the microfiber cloth in a circular motion repeatedly. Keep wiping and even reapply the Toothpaste in between, if required. Use the toothbrush if required.

TIP: If the headlight has any stubborn marks, you can also mix some baking soda with Toothpaste. Using this combination results in a good tandem and deliver effective results.

  1. Now rinse off the headlight with water ensuring even the last inch of Toothpaste is cleared away.
  2. Once the entire Toothpaste is rinsed off, take the Chamois cloth and carefully wipe the headlight lens.
  3. At last, remove the Painter’s tape.

Headlight lens aftercare tips.

Once you have cleaned the headlight using Toothpaste, follow some aftercare tips. Toothpaste can work as a cleaner, but it isn’t sufficient enough for that after shine and sun protection. Here, you can use Ultraviolet-protecting Sealant.

Take a good brand Ultraviolet-protecting Sealant, apply it all over the headlight and leave for 15 minutes to an hour. Keep the vehicle on their exposure to dryness in an open area.

Follow the car cleaning process every 2 to 3 months and complete it with a Sealant.

Best Headlight Lens Sealant 2023

Blue Magic 730-6 Headlight Lens Sealer 


Permatex 81730 Flowable Silicone Windshield and Glass Sealer


3M Quick Headlight Clear Coat, Cleans and Prevents Lens Yellowing


CERAKOTE Ceramic Headlight Restoration Kit


Chemical Guys GAP11516 Headlight Restore and Protect


McKee’s 37 MK37-130 Headlight Protectant Spray


Headlight Restore Wipes


Turtle Wax T-43 (2-in-1) Headlight Cleaner and Sealant


Is cleaning headlight with Toothpaste safe?

Toothpaste is usually safe for cleaning headlights. There are not many major damages noticed upon cleaning headlight lenses using Toothpaste. However, in some cases, coarse Toothpaste, harsh toothbrush, or the wrong cloth can do some damage. In addition, if you will rub the headlight lens with all those dirt and dust accumulations, it too can leave scratches behind.

How long do you leave Toothpaste on the headlights?

While cleaning the car headlight lens with Toothpaste, leave the paste for five to ten minutes on each light. Do not allow the Toothpaste to dry hard since cleaning it can become tedious thereafter.

Is Toothpaste effective for cleaning glass headlights?

No, using Toothpaste is only recommended for cleaning plastic headlights. If your vehicle has glass headlights, you need to get them fixed at the mechanic. Also, even for cleaning regular plastic headlights, white Toothpaste is advisable. Avoid going with those gel toothpaste, foam toothpaste, or other varieties. Remember, not all toothpaste work similarly, and some of them might damage the headlight lens as well.

How do professionals restore headlights?

Professional cleaners restore headlights using either a headlight restore kit or more such professional products. However, the other remaining process of cleaning is as similar to what you follow at home.

Does Toothpaste remove oxidation from headlights?

Yes, white Toothpaste can effectively remove the effects of oxidation, road particulates, stuck-on grime, and other accumulation from a headlight.

Can vinegar restore headlights? Will vinegar damage headlights?

Vinegar is often used for restoring hazy and foggy headlights. It is one great liquid that will remove dirt and discoloration and leave the headlight squeaky clean.

However, be cautious while using vinegar since it can damage your car’s paint as well. Vinegar and lemon’s acidic properties are harmful to car paint. Liquids like these shouldn’t be left for long over a headlight lens as well.

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